Another English writer LMS claims acquaintance with is Mr Aldous Leonard Huxley (1894-1963), who wrote ‘Brave New World’ and made many other literary and script-writing contributions.

Huxley held an avid interest in spiritual topics such as parapsychology and mysticism and was known to take psychedelics.

An incredible intellectual, Huxley impressed academics and led the way in modern thought. He was one of many writers who frequented Lady Ottoline’s Garsington Manor and indeed, worked there as a farm labourer for a time.

It is not clear if the Miss Spender-Clay referred to here is fictional or real…there is information available which talks of a Miss Rachel Spender-Clay – a niece of the Viscount and Viscountess Astor – who later married the Hon. David Bowes-Lyon.

If this is the correct Miss Spender-Clay, it certainly put paid to Huxley’s hopes of marrying her!